After more than three decades as one of Nollywood’s brightest stars—and a TIME 100 honoree—Omotola Jalade-Ekeinde has stepped behind the camera. On 6 September 2025, at the 50th Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF), the actress unveiled her directorial debut, Mother’s Love, marking a bold new chapter in her storied career.
The premiere took place at TIFF’s Lightbox 5, where distributors, sales agents, and industry insiders gathered to witness the star-turned-filmmaker’s vision. For Omotola, who has long embodied African cinema on the global stage, this was a chance to tell a story on her own terms.
At its heart, Mother’s Love is an intimate exploration of maternal resilience. The film examines the bond between mothers and daughters—particularly first daughters—while weaving in themes of grief, PTSD, and social inequality. It’s a deeply personal work that reframes motherhood as both anchor and compass.
The screening drew an impressive lineup of industry figures, including NFVSB Director General Shuaibu Hussein, filmmakers Obi Emelonye, Lonzo Nzekwe, and Charles Uwagbai, alongside Nollywood peers like Linda Osifo and OC Ukeje. Supporting actress Lilian Afegbai, producer Rogers Ofime, writer Oyin Debby, casting director and actor Lala Akindoju, and other collaborators were also in attendance.
The debut was met with glowing reviews. UK-based filmmaker Obi Emelonye praised it as “a debut that deserves to be studied at Harvard,” underscoring the weight of Omotola’s new role as storyteller.
ABOVE: Omotala at TIFF 2025 / Instagram
Mother’s Love follows a young woman from a privileged background who, during her NYSC year, steps outside her sheltered world to confront resilience, identity, and purpose—guided at every turn by her mother’s steady love.
Featuring a cast that includes Omotola herself, Ifeanyi Kalu, Noray Nehita, Lilian Afegbai, Nosa Rex, and Olumide Oworu, the film will premiere in Lagos in early 2026 before a global rollout timed to Mother’s Day.
For Omotola, this milestone isn’t just about directing. It’s a reaffirmation of her place as a cultural force—an actress, icon, and now filmmaker shaping the next phase of African storytelling.
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